Each spring, the Japanese eagerly anticipate hanami. Literally translated as “looking at flowers,” hanami celebrates the delicate pink flowers' fleeting beauty. People of all sects picnic under the blooming trees, enjoying Japanese drinks and food.
Virtual Travel with Umami: Shimane
Until we can all travel again, indulge in the deep history and food culture of Japan's beautiful Shimane prefecture virtually.
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Cooking Japanese food using vegetables that are in season results in fresh, vibrant, delicious dishes. In the month of May, you can use celery and young potatoes in a number of tasty Japanese dishes.
Try French Japanese fusion in Montreal and the best sushi outside of Japan in Vancouver with this World Travel Series Spring Edition.
Once one of the five annual holidays held in Japan's imperial court, Tango no Sekku happens annually on May 5, the fifth day of the fifth month. In modern times, it is known as Children’s Day, or Kodomo no hi.
Culture, Food Traditions, Seasonal, Spring
12 Months of Japanese Holidays: March’s Hinamatsuri & Shunbun
Although March is still cold throughout much of Japan and you may even see some snow, it marks the true beginning of spring. Two major holidays, Hinamatsuri and Higan, make it a festive time well worth celebrating—whatever the weather may be.
Are you seeking a refreshing Japanese beverage to enjoy during the spring and summer? Japan has many great options, from traditional sake to sweet plum wine. These five alcoholic Japanese drinks offer a little bit of something for everyone.
In the month of April, both asparagus and lettuce are in season and fresh, ideal for cooking flavorful and healthy meals. Try these delicious and healthy Japanese dishes using fresh April vegetables.
Japanese cuisine is well known for its use of fresh vegetables in season. In the month of March, both spring cabbage and broccoli are widely used in a number of Japanese dishes that are easy to make and pack a ton of flavor and health benefits.
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Quick & Easy Recipes
Ketchup rice covered with a thin omelet. Try this once and you might fall in love with the tastiness!
Bread + Cookie = Heavenly desserts! If you are a baker, try making your own bread and cookie dough.
Edamame is a popular appetizer, and goes well with ice cold beer! Put a little more effort in the edamame to make it even tastier!
Perfect recipe for healthy-eaters! Very healthy but filling and yummy.
A healthy Japanese recipe that also packs a serious flavor blast, this Bean Sprout Curry with Soy Sauce recipe uses ingredients like pork, sake and curry powder to create a light meal that can be served at any time.
Three flavors and three colors come together in perfect harmony in our yummy tricolor soboro bowl where seasoned ground chicken, Japanese style scrambled eggs and snow peas each stand apart.
Invite your friends over for some authentic Japanese isobe yaki, a sweet and savory snack that combines mochi with seaweed and soy sauce. Everyone will be delighted by your mastery of this authentic Japanese recipe and easy-to-follow video.
This simple and quick recipe is perfect if you're busy but still want to eat healthy. The salad will also be a nice addition to your lunch box!
Donburi rice bowls are quick and flavor-packed meals that are a popular part of Japanese food. Make Gyudon, a rice bowl topped with thinly sliced beef and green onions in your kitchen with our recipe!
Traditional Japanese eggplant and chicken miso stir fry recipe and video plus tips on authentic Japanese stir-frying techniques that will have you outfrying the Iron Chef right in your own kitchen.
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Oranges and citruses are called “kankitsu” in Japan. Out of many varieties, we introduce you to a few must-try kankitsu Japanese citruses. Which one do you want to try out?
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Naoshichi sudachi is one of the rarest citrus fruit unique to Kochi prefecture. It resembles a lime but packs umami flavor like no other. Find out how to use it to add refreshing citrus flavor to your everyday dish.
Tosa Dish is the regional food of Kochi Prefecture. From Katsuo No Tataki (seared skipjack tuna) to Sawachi Ryori (platter full of local delicacies), discover the unique flavor of Kochi.
Umami Insider interviewed Nobu from Yama Seafood, a master of seafood behind the delicious fish you eat at notable restaurants in tri-state and beyond. Find out what makes Yama Seafood one of the best in the seafood industry.
On the island of Honshu in Japan, a unique culinary tradition persists. Maple trees are stripped of their foliage, known as momiji, which is then preserved in salt and ultimately deep fried as a snack.
